ROESUS and IONE 



A Drama in Four Acts 



By 



CHARLOTTE ELIZABETH WELLS 



RIGGS PRINTING & PUBLISHING CO. 
ii 23 BROADWAY, NEW YORK 












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BY 

CHARLOTTE ELIZABETH WELLS 



DRAMATIS PERSONS. 



Croesus, King of Lydia. 
Cyrus, King of Persia. 
Ismenides, a young noble of 
Ephesus. 



Glycon and Dorus, friends of 

Ismenides. 
The Queen of Lydia. 
Ione, a beautiful maiden of 

Ephesus. 

Generals and Captains of the Lydian Army. 
Women Attending on the Qeeen. 

(IONE, pronounced I 'ONE.) 



ACT I. 

Before the temple of Diana at Ephesus. Sunset. People of all 
classes stand idly about, as if after a festival. A few straggling 
worshippers enter or leave the temple. Children selling Kozvers 
linger near the steps in the hope of a chance customer. An old 
man of imposing mien zvho has the appearance of a philosopher, 
watches the people as they come and go, with an air of abstrac- 
tion. A young woman with a child in her arms, stands near 
the old man, who occasionally speaks to her in a pitying tone. 
Glycon and Dorus, two young Ephesian aristocrats, descend 
the temple steps together. 

Glycon (yawning) 

" The city falls asleep, and so do we." 
Dorus 

" Ay, 'tis most welcome now, this quietude ; 
When monarchs rule the day one keeps awake 
But even the sun may shine to weariness." 
Glycon 

" Yet we are richer than when Croesus came." 

* Copyright, 1902, by Charlotte Elizabeth Wells. (All rights reserved.) 
Notice. — British copyright for this play has been secured. 



4 croesus and ione 

Dorus 

" Though poorer for the Lady lone. 
Glycon 

" You bring me news. I had not heard of this." 
Dorus 

" Why, since the King came here to make his gifts 
The maiden is not seen in Ephesus." 



Glycon 
Dorus 



Glycon 

Dorus 

Glycon 

Old Man 



" Not seen ! why not ? this is a mystery." 

'Tis not that we are blind, but she's away. 
The rumor says some Lord in Croesus' train 
Hath wooed her, or perchance hath stolen her. 
The malcontents, 'tis true, suspect the King 
Whose taste in beauty is most exquisite. 
She was the leader of the noble maids 
Who, dressed as Dian's nymphs, attended him 
In gay procession to the temple here." 

Ye gods ! and we were free in Ephesus, 

And now our noblest are this tyrant's slaves." 

" 'Tis said Ismenides hath grown in strength 
For very anguish since she disappeared." 

It works so sometimes ; let us go to him. 
Friends are like irritants that soothe the pain 
With smarting touches on the wound they heal." 
{Exit Glycon and Dorus.) 



" I heard their words and I am like to weep 
For that sweet lady who hath gone away." 
Young Woman (carrying child in her arms — her face tear-stained, 
her dress ragged and dirty.) 
" And I've done naught but weep for days and days. 
I loved her, for when all abandoned me 
She threw a robe of mercy o'er my shame." 
Flower Girl 

" Alas for lone ! she bought our flowers 
And loved to play that she was one of us. 
As frolicsome as any peasant-maid 
She was, and yet we reverenced her." 
Second Flower Girl 

" Never shall I forget the day she took 
My wares away from me, and veiling her 
As if some Eastern maid had wandered here, 
She cried, ' Sweet flowers! Lords and ladies, will you buy?' 
And by her witchery of voice and wit 
Sold every bunch for thrice its worth and laughed 
For joy at her own cleverness ; then threw 
The money in my lap, and bade me go 
Get comforts for the little ones at home. 
Ah ! how the young lords followed her that day 
And how she mocked them that they knew her not, 



CROESUS AND IONE 5 

But thought her one of us, yet did not dare 
So much as touch her hand she ruled them so." 
First Flower Girl 

" Methought the young Lord Ceyx suspicioned her 
When in his eyes I saw the look they wear 
For none but Lady lone. Alas ! 
This disappearance sure will drive him mad." 
Second Flower Girl 

" And yet she broke no troth in leaving him, 
Having but laughter ever for his vows ; 
He was too slavish in his love for her. 
I fear me it is Croesus has her now ; 
Proud maids like her love high, or not at all." 
Old Man 

" Hush ! hush ! her brother comes to pray for her. 
Ah, poor Ismenides ! thy step is slow." 
(Ismenides approaches, supported by an attendant, and 
enters the temple.) 
Old Man 

" Has Croesus won the gods, or will they hear ? " 

ACT II. 

Scene I. 

In the royal palace at Sardis. An apartment opening to the east. 
Rich hangings have been drawn away, disclosing an airy bal- 
cony overhanging a garden. The time is a moment before sun- 
rise. When the curtain rises Ione is seen with her back half 
turned to the audience; one arm is holding aside the massive 
drapery which by the gorgeousness of its color throws her 
white-robed figure into strong relief. A glow of rosy light 
appears in the east, and the maiden falls upon her knees — her 
upturned face and golden hair catch the first rays of the rising 
sun, and she is as one transfigured. Near her a group of slave- 
girls watch her every movement with wondering admiration. 
At the far end of the long apartment an Ethiopian stands on 
guard. 
Ione 

" How pure the dawn is ! ever a new birth, 
Touched by no thought of that sweet yesterday 
That fled soft-footed to forgetfulness. 
And this young morn that rises maidenly 
May bear within her breast great thoughts, great loves, 
Ay, greater sorrows, sterner tragedies. 
Morn, I salute thee ! bring to Ione 
I pray thee, none but pleasant things, for she 
Is young yet like as thou art, and her feet 
Are very restless, longing for the dance, 
The swaying music, and the minstrelsy." 

(She springs to her feet, and motioning to the maidens 
to join her, begins a rhythmic movement, but pauses 
after a few measures and throws herself down, sigh- 
ing wearily.) 



6 CROESUS AND IONE 

IONE 

" Ah me ! I am too frail to bear my heart 
So laden is it with a weight of love. 
My King ! My King ! 'tis such a little while 
Since no young maid in Greece could dance as I, 
And now though love is sweet, I am not gay. 
The spirit of the morning veils her face 
And will not smile upon me, or perchance 
Doth shroud in mystery her tenderness; 
I will make votive offerings unto joy 
And build a temple for her in my soul 
That she must dwell in for pure courtesy, 
Since all my youth is dedicate to her. 
Oh Joy ! sweet goddess ; daughter of the morn 
Thou visitest this earth so fitfully 
That we would doubt thy love, and our poor hearts 
Would break for longing, if thy lightest touch 
Were not so tender, and thine eyes so sweet 
That rapture grows immortal ; born in us 
And passing from us to Eternity. 
Ah, thus is love made holy as a prayer." 

Guard (saluting) 

" Madam— the King ! " 

(As Croesus enters, Ione retains her kneeling posture, 
but turns and greets him with outstretched arms. 
Her eyes are full of tears, and she sighs involun- 
tarily. ) 

Croesus ( bending over her, and lifting her) 

" What ! tears, my Ione ? Is not thy bondage sweet ? " 

IONE 

" Alas, my lord ! its sweetness wearies me, 
And all my womanhood lies in a swoon 
Without my heart's door, breathing heavily, 
As slaves breathe, sleeping. I, my lord, was free 
And would have braved some hardness merrily 
Some roughness of the march or battlefield. 
An Eastern houri would be happy here 
And so am I ; it is a paradise 
That leaving, one might wander desolate 
And find not such another 'neath the sun. 
Yet am I yearning for a rocky glade 
With camp-fires all alight, while flashing swords 
Gleam out against the forest tapestry. 
I am of Dian's race, and love not ease." 

Croesus (smiling dreamily) 

" I care not if the way be rough or smooth 
So we two walk together for awhile 
Until the stars that mark our destinies 
Sink low toward that horizon whose far edge 
Looks over into lands we know not of." 
Ione 

" And then, my lord ! what then ? " 



CROESUS AND IONE 7 

Croesus (gayly) 

" Then, if our streams of being must diverge, 
I'd leave thee in some vale of dreaming love 
Where thy most tender soul should solace find. 
While I ? Ye gods ! Give me the eternal winds 
That blow the stars before them like to leaves. 
Thus would I sweep before me men, yea, worlds. 
So strong within me is this spirit fire 
That scorning earth claims kinship with the sun. 
And thou ? Ah, tremble not ! no cruel gale 
Shall ruffle thy sweet petals, oh, my rose ! 
Nay then, thou'rt cold ! come close, I'll shelter thee." 

Ione (shivering) 

" Even as thou did'st speak, a strange cold breath 
Came swiftly from the east and chilled my heart. 
Always it is the east to which I turn, and yet 
Some presence warns me that my death lies there." 

Croesus (merrily) 

" Nay, foolish one ! but gardens sweet with flowers 
And jewels that have decked great Cyrus' queens — 
For we shall conquer him, and thou shalt sit 
Most royally, while royal maidens wait 
To serve thee on their knees. Thou art the prize 
Of none but Croesus, and not death himself 
Shall take his treasure from the king of kings." 

(The King attempts to embrace her, but Ione draws 
herself to her full height, and returns his glance 
with one of hurt deiiance.) 

Ione 

" Croesus ! my soul intoxicate with love 
Was even now within that dreaming vale 
Thou tellest of, and thought that it was Heaven ; 
Yet would I have thee know, my lord, tho' I 
Do gladly bear this shame and banishment 
'Tis as the sharer of a warrior's heart 
And not the jeweled mistress of a king." 

Croesus 

" Thou fiery maid ! thy glances scathe, it seems 
Ere they destroy men's perishable hearts. 
To cool this passion, some chill mountain peak 
Should'st thou be chained to, for thou art the child 
Of that sore punished god who brought to earth 
A fire that kindled once, was quenched no more. 
Nay, frown not ! I would perish in the flames 
Most willingly ere thou should'st suffer thus. 
But hark ! I hear a footfall like the snow 
That chills that icy peak whereof we jest." 

Ione 

" It is the Queen ! Ah, here are chains for me ! " 

Croesus 

" And here is one will break them, never fear ! 
Yet shall I use some subtlety in this 
That we will not defy her, but delude," 



8 CROESUS AND IONE 

(The Queen enters, and Croesus advances to greet her 
with exaggerated courtesy, zvhile Ione folds her 
hands upon her breast and assumes a proud but re- 
spectful attitude.) 
Croesus 

" Fair Queen, I never yet commanded thee 
Yet could I so, I would at this one hour 
Compel thy presence and thy courtesy 
To do thy lord a grace for one he loved." 
Queen 

" Thus openly dost thou confess thy love 
For this lost girl who wins thee from my side ? " 

Croesus 

" Nay, not of her I speak. Her sire was one 

Who saved me in the desert, when I lay 

Deserted, wounded, and most desperate. 

We, joining hands, were brothers till the hour 

When in the thick of battle, like a shield 

He rode before me; thus received my death, 

And dying, gave me her as his bequest. 

So then from Ephesus I brought her here." 
Queen (contemptuously) 

" And tended her thyself ; sure princely rank 

Is hers, when the great Croesus plays her slave." 
Croesus (mildly) 

" Her rank is princely, but 'tis pity spreads 

O'er this young head its shielding canopy." 
Queen (bitterly) 

" Man's pity ! what a travesty is this. 

Thy pity ! see — I take this damask rose 

And breathe upon it roughly ; mar its bloom 

And throw it where a slave may trample it. 

Such is thy pity, and thy tenderness ! 

Beware it, girl ! for in my eastern home 

When I was young and sweet, and like this flower 

He wooed me, won me like a prince, and brought 

Me, a king's daughter, here to share his throne. 

He loved me, and he crushed me, like to this ! " 

(She plucks another rose and crushes it under her foot 
— then continues) 
" Yet am I queen in Lydia, and to me 

Thou makest homage, girl ; or as the stars 

Fade out against the glory of the dawn 

Thy little glimmer dies, absorbed and lost ; 

Forgotten, as a jewel cast aside. 

And when my will is done, why then the King 

May take his vengeance on me; 'Twill be well 

To so complete the ruin ; 'T will be well." 
Ione (kneeling at the Queen's feet) 

" Great Queen, have pity ! I am innocent 

Of any wrong to thee or to the King ; 

I am but as a child who plays with beams 

Cast by the sun upon the shining sand, 



CROESUS AND IONE 9 

When lo ! the sea creeps upward and engulfs 
The foolish one who hath approached too near." 
Queen (sternly) 

" Thou chasest beams to-day, but even now 
The shadows steal behind thee, spectre like; 
Relentless, as the ruin of thy youth 
That goes unto its burial, passion-slain 
By him whose pity is thy recompense. 
Yet as thou art so young, and I a queen 
Whose soul has never stooped to cruelty, 
I'll take thee hence to be my bower maid 
And if in truth of princely lineage 
Thou shalt be placed according to thy birth." 
Ione (kissing the Queen's hand) 

" Madam, I kiss thy hand and pledge thee here 
My love, and truest loyalty." 
Croesus (aside) 

" Poor child ! her terror hath enfrenzied her 
And prudence shameth love too readily. 
Yet this allegiance may be but a ruse." 
(Aloud to Ione) 
" Go hence, my little one ; thou art the Queen's." 

(Aside) 
" But by the gods ! thou yet shalt be all mine 
Or else I'll send thee to that vale of dreams." 
(Exit Queen with Ione.) 
Croesus (softly) 

"Ione! Ione!" 

(She looks back wistfully, but waves her hand once, and 
passes out.) 
Croesus 

" Thou little coward thing ! Well, we go hence 
To fight the Persians shortly, and my gear 
Shall be the heavier for thy weight, my girl ! 
The Queen may stay and brood or vengeance here, 
I care not; surely I have won the gods 
To grant me this indulgence for my gifts." 
(He paces on, musing) 
" When Cyrus falls — why then, but what is this ? " 

(A messenger enters hurriedly accompanied by the Gen- 
eral of the Lydian army. They both kneel before 
Croesus) 
Messenger 

" Great King, live thou forever ! for thy gifts 
Have won the gods to love thee, and they speak." 
Croesus 

" Art thou from Delphi ? " 
Messenger 

" I am from thence, O King ! " 
Croesus 

" Thy message, instantly." 

( The messenger hands him a sealed parchment) 



10 CROESUS AND IONE 

Croesus (reading) 

" That mighty one who yet shall overthrow 
A kingdom, bringing it to utter woe 
To Persia turns his eyes, nor stays his hand; 
He strikes and spares not; 'tis the gods' command." 
(smiling, well pleased) 
" Why, this is what we longed for ; thou hast grace 
As all who bring good tidings unto us. 
Go, Simon ! rest him, and endow him well ; 
For Mercury was not more welcome unto Mars 
Than he who frees my chafing soul to-day." 
(Exit Messenger and General) 
Croesus (pacing back and forth with eager strides) 
" Now must I take with oracles of war 
Stern counsel, and consult my sturdy chiefs ; 
War-hacked and grim of face, but true to me 
As much I fear me these smooth Greeks are false, 
Or would be could it serve their purposes. 
Yet lone is Greek, and faithful too, 
I'll send for her. This news will please her well." 
(to a slave) 
" Go thou unto the Queen, and say thy lord 
Commands the maiden to return again 
And hear a message sent from Ephesus. 
'Tis from her kinsmen and concerns her much." 

(The slave obeys, but looks frightened, and Croesus 
laughs) 
" Who fears, makes others fear ; it is redress 
That fits a woman, in her impotence 
To spill the poisoned vials on her slaves 
That would anoint my head, had she the power." 

(He seats himself, and returning to the perusal of the 
oracle's message, is soon lost in thought. A stir 
at the entrance causes him to look up, and he sees 
the mocking obeisance which the soldier on guard 
makes, as Ione is admitted. Croesus' eye flashes 
angrily, but Ione runs to him, and laughs gayly as 
she kneels beside him.) 
Ione 

" What dangerous looks, my lord ! Are they for me ? " 
Croesus (sternly) 

"Nay, not so, sweet one; for the insolent." 
Ione 

" Then flash thine eyes for some far distant one ? " 
Croesus 

" Perhaps ; but here is news ; I'll read it thee." 

(He reads her the scroll, and Ione claps her hands) 
Ione 

" And thou wilt march at once, and take me too ? " 
Croesus (teasingly) 

" Why, thou hast sworn allegiance to the Queen." 
Ione (beseechingly) 

" My lord, she was so sad, I pitied her. 
But thou wilt let me go ? Oh, say thou wilt ! " 



CROESUS AND IONE II 

Croesus (pretending anger) 

"I'll make a vestal of thee; thou shalt tend 
The lamps in Dian's temple ; sent by me 
As my most precious gift unto her shrine." 
Ione (archly) 

" Oh, pardon me ! thou art so happy now 
I know thou canst forgive my treachery." 
Croesus (appearing to relent) 

" I think thou'rt right. This time I'll pardon thee, 
And take thee with me for thy punishment." 

(She kisses his hand, and after hesitating a moment looks 
up at him, as if desiring, and yet fearing to ask 
another boon.) 
Croesus 

" Thine eyes speak some petition, more than this 
Which had been granted ere thou asked for it." 
Ione (soberly) 

" O King, thou readest me, my thoughts are thine." 
Croesus (tenderly) 

" Thou sayest truly, for our souls are one ; 
And I would bid thee do this thing unheard 
But that thy play of suppliance is sweet 
And sweet the granting while I hold the power." 
Ione 

" And sweet it is to kneel for one like me; 
I'd rather be a woman than a queen." 
Croesus 

" Would'st thou, sweetheart ? Ah, 'tis thy subtlety 
Knowing the love of men for gentleness." 
Ione (laughing merrily) 

" I think of gods, not men ; a votaress 
To Dian's temple, dedicate by thee." 
Croesus 

" Ah, 'tis a clever ruse, to still the Queen. 
But speak thy wish, and thou shalt have it straight." 
Ione 

" My lord, I left at Ephesus for thee 
An only brother, ill and desolate. 
I crave a messenger to send him news, 
And bring me word again that he is well." 
Croesus (frowning) 

" I like it not that thou should'st think of aught 
That lies behind thee; 'tis not meet. 
Thou art the love of Croesus ; surely so 
Old loves may be forgotten happily. 
What then ? What then ? a tear ? Nay, Ione 
It shall be as thou wilt ; where is thy scroll ? " 
Ione 

"My lord, forgive me if I show it not; 
It is too childish and ill writ for thee. 
I'd die of shame to see thee look on it." 
Croesus 

" Well, well ! I think that I may trust thee, sweet, 
That 'tis no lover thou art pining for." 



12 CROESUS AND IONE 

Ione (throwing herself at his feet) 

" Thou knowest truly that I live in thee." 
Croesus 

" Ay, so thou dost, my little one ; but here 
A close-writ parchment claims me; wilt thou stay, 
Or shall I bid thee leave me presently?" 

Ione 

" Oh, let me stay and help decipher it. 
I am not learned, yet I crave to learn." 

(She leans upon his shoulder, and looks curiously at 
the parchment) 
Ione 

" It looks most strangely with its curving lines 
Like rivers intersecting; as for these 
They might be roads that lead to Persia." 
Croesus (laughing heartily) 

" Why, thou hast guessed it with such readiness 
I'll even take thee for a counsellor; 
Disclose my plans and try thy woman's wit. 
It may be, in some vivid flash, the way 
Shall show more clearly than we've traced it here." 
Ione (archly) 

" I grow so very proud in this new role 
That much I fear I'll lose that gentleness 
That gods and men approve ; so thou hast said." 
(A sound of arms is heard outside) 
Guard 

" O King ! The generals wait to speak with thee." 
Croesus ( hurriedly ) 

" Go then, my Ione ! prepare thy scroll 
It shall be safely sent to Ephesus." 

(Ione kneels and kisses his hand, and then passes out 
szviftly. ) 
Guard (aside) 

" She is a subtle Greek, I like her not. 
And yet how Croesus' eyes did flash at me ! " 
Curtain. 



ACT II. 

Scene II. 

(An antechamber in the apartments of the Queen. Ione reclines 
on a divan, slave maidens grouped near her. Time — near 
midnight. ) 
Ione (musing) 

" Ione, poor Ione ! surely thou 
Wert Aphrodite's sport in coming here 
To love, and shame, and soft imprisonment. 
And thou, a noble maiden of the Greeks, 
Art held in bondage like some slave of war. 
Great Croesus, how I love thee ! even for thee 



CROESUS AND IONE 13 

I have renounced my noble heritage. 

Ah, here's the Queen ! " 

(She rises from the divan, and prostrates herself) 
Queen 

" Rise, maiden ! as an elder sister, I 
Do pity thee in thy abandonment 
Unto a passion that shall prove thy doom." 
Ione (aside) 

" Thou'rt much more elder than thou'rt sisterly." 

(To the Queen, meekly) 
" Most grateful am I for thy leniency 
O Queen ; but let me kneel in penitence 
Having offended, tho' unwillingly." 
Queen 

" Maiden, thou speakest fair ; and yet 'tis well 
To know thee better ere I trust to this. 
Thou'rt native born to Ephesus, art not? 
Full well I know the Greeks, and thou art like 
A young Ephesian noble sent us here 
With gifts from that fair city to the King. 
Thou hast his eyes — his hair — and yes — his voice." 

(The Queen speaks dreamily, and Ione detects the 
meaning in her tone.) 
Ione (aside) 

" So thus it was, my brother ; thou did'st leave 
Thy heart in Lydia, and reached'st high 
to place thy love upon a throne, as this 
Thy foolish sister has not feared to do." 
( To the Queen ) 
" Madam, thou'rt placed so loftily, thy glance 
Is like to Juno's from Olympus cast 
Upon a world of men that worships her. 
My brother coming hence, distraught as one 
Who rises from a fever ere 'tis past 
Filled our fond hearts with grief; his cruel state 
Was even as when Aphrodite marks 
A mortal for her sport and leaves him mad, 
With hopeless love and frenzy impotent." 
Queen (dreamily) 

"And was it even so? 'tis very sad!" 
Ione 

" Ay, sad it was ; and when the end drew near " 

Queen (wildly) 

" He is not dead? not dead? " 



Ione 



(Ione marks her shrewdly, and pauses for a moment) 

Well no, not dead ; but will be so of grief ; 
For when the young men march from Ephesus 
To join the swelling hosts of Lydia' s king 
And fight the Persians — my Ismenides 
Will lie upon a couch and eat his heart 
For very sadness, that he may not come 
Within such nearness to his goddess' throne." 



14 CROESUS AND IONE 

Queen (musing) 

"He'll stay in Ephesus, while I stay here?" 

Ione (aside) 

" Ay, will he, till thou sendest for him straight." 

(Aloud) 
" There's naught to do but stay ; he dies of love 
And will not see the armies back again." 
Queen 

" 'Tis sad ! oh, very sad ! I'm grieved for thee." 
Ione 

" 'Twas knowing this, my dying father gave 
Me to the King; for poor Ismenides 
Is crowned with fatal blooms from Hades brought 
And may not linger long beneath the sun." 

Queen (grown white with emotion) 

" Girl ! my too sympathetic heart doth throb 
With pain at tales like these; I will retire 
And leave thee to thy slumbers ; sleep in peace ! " 

(She makes a sign to her attendants to follow her, and 
glides away) 
Ione (bitterly) 

" So thy dread jealousy is not for love. 
'Tis but thy vanity, and knowing this 
I'll give the King his will more willingly. 
I have had younger lovers, but to me 
He is so like the gods he hath no age. 
Love leaps a wider chasm than yawns between 
His years and mine; we'll bridge it merrily." 

(She throws herself again upon the divan and beckons 
to a slave.) 
" Give me a lute, for song is solace sweet ; 
Why ! those are words that almost make a song." 
(She takes a lute from the slave, and sings.) 
" Give me a lute, for song is solace sweet 
And bringeth rest again; 
Give me a lute ! our trembling fingers meet — 

Ah ! now is solace vain ; 
The little lute lies broken at thy feet 
And shivers in its pain." 

(Ione throivs the instrument down with a laugh) 
" I am no Sappho, and my halting rhymes 
Need better music than a broken lute 
Can lend them. So, this ancient Queen 
(My elder sister truly) has her flaw. 
My guile will reach it, for Ismenides 
Were surely doting could he think her fair, 
Except as grand-dames seem to little boys. 
Yet dizzy heights win glory from the sun 
And lifted eyes grow weaker strained so far. 
Alas ! I am so weary, that to sleep 

Is all I long for, and I " 

(She sleeps, leaving the words unfinished. The Queen 
re-enters, and gazes upon her mournfully.) 



croesus and ione 1 5 

Queen 

" Younger by twenty years than he, and yet 
So like! so like! just where the hair falls down 
Upon the white low brow; the wide, deep eyes 
Set far apart are his, and his the mouth 
That more pertains to Egypt than to Greece, 
So rich and lovely are its ruby curves. 
Ismenides will grieve for her I think; 
Ah me ! to see him once, to hear his voice ; 
When Croesus goes I'll send ; 't will not be wrong 
For is not here his sister waiting him? 
His sister, torn I verily believe, by force 
From home and kinsmen by this cruel king." 

(A curtain is parted behind her, and the King enters.) 
Queen {starting violently) 

" My lord ! " 
King 

" Ay; even so." 

(He looks toward the divan where Ione is sleeping) 
Queen 

" The honor is too great ; I am not used 
To this unmarked, informal courtesy." 
Croesus (craftily) 

" My gracious Queen, I come to offer thanks 
For thy most sweet compliance with my will 
Concerning this young lone, and speak 
Of purposes regarding her that thou 
Most readily will sanction. Ere we move 
On Persia, I shall send by trusty hands 
The maid to Dian's temple, there to tend 
The sacred lamps in vestal purity." 
Queen (indignantly) 

" Would'st thou insult the gods ? not all thy gifts 
Could purge thee from so great impiety." 
Croesus 

" Nay, thou'rt severe ! the maiden has no fault, 
Unless 'tis sin to be so innocent." 
Queen 

" My lord ! the Greeks have taught thee subtlety, 
And sitting at thy feet, why, even I 
Must learn a little also ; yet in this 
I fail to see thy meaning; knowing thou 
Must ever have a purpose under it ; 
A passion, or a whim, to gratify. 
Whate'er it is, thou gav'st the girl to me 
And here she stays to charm my loneliness." 
Croesus (sternly) 

" 'Tis only in my absence that thy rule 
Is known in Lydia. But she awakes ! 
How now, sweet Ione? art frightened then? 
Come tell me, is my will enough for thee ? " 

(Ione sinks to her knees and gases from him to the 
Queen ; then reads the meaning in Croesus'' eyes, 
and answers) 



1 6 CROESUS AND IONE 

IONE 

" I am a Greek, and yet in bonds to thee 
To do thy bidding, and I wait thy will." 
Croesus 

" Wilt go to Ephesus as vestal, then? " 
Ione 

" Why, even that, if thou wilt have it so." 
Croesus 

" I have so willed it ; when I march from hence 
Thou 'It join the company, and where the road 
Diverges, thou to Ephesus shall go 
Guarded by such brave escort bearing gifts 
That the high priestesses shall welcome thee 
Most royally, as coming from the King." 
Queen (aside) 

" He is so false, I trust no word of this, 
But I have learned to fear, and hold my peace. 
And yet — Ah ! 'tis thy face, Ismenides, 
Copied in her, that makes me as a slave 
Who dares not say, ' I will not,' or ' I will.' ' : 
(Aloud) 
" O King ! since protest may not soften thee, 
And this young maiden must resign her youth 
To sacred service in some distant shrine, 
I'll speed her going. But 'tis midnight now 
When Earth herself is breathing drowsily 
And sighing her to sleep for weariness. 
Young maidens are as flowers, that need the dark 
And coolness ; we will leave thee then ; 
In my wide-windowed chamber lay us down 
Like sisters in the starlig-ht. Come, my child ! 
Thou'rt dreaming even now ; 'tis late ! 'tis late ! " 
(Exit the Queen zvith Ione.) 
(The King retires from the other side of the stage. He 
has hardly done so, when an aged Ethiopian enters 
softly and approaching the entrance to the Queen's 
sleeping chamber, strikes a few weird chords on an 
instrument which he carries under his robe. As if 
at a well-knozvn signal, the Queen presently returns 
and beckons him to follow her as she glides across 
the apartment and seats herself near a large screen 
which conceals her from anyone suddenly entering. ) 
Q ueen ( anxio usly ) 

" Rise, faithful one ! only in times of fear 
When I have needed caution hast thou come 
At midnight thus; and well I know, thy care 
Has been to Croesus, cruel as he is, 
A thing to reckon with; else long ago 
A white flash striking, or a draught too sweet, 
Had made swift room for some new sad-browed queen." 
Slave 

" Lady, I bring thee that will comfort thee. 
Like some poor way-worn beggar, hunger-faint, 
One lay without the gates ; great Croesus passed 



CROESUS AND IONE 1 7 

And bade us bring him in; I, watching him, 

The while the others slept, (for many hours 

Did pass in stupor ere he woke again) 

Knew him for that young prince who in the train 

Of lords from Ephesus, came hither once 

And lingered many days; he knew me too, 

As thy poor faithful slave, and taking this 

He bade me bring it to the Queen, and say 

That openly he dares not speak with her 

Yet craves to kneel once more and kiss her feet." 

(He presents a jewel to the Queen; she takes it eagerly, 
and examines it with evident joy.) 
Queen (tenderly) 

" Ismenides ! and hast thou risked thy death, 
Lain sick beside the road, that thou to me 
Might come thus empty, to be filled again? 
Thou dearest beggar that e'er craved sweet alms." 
(to the slave) 
" Go, bring him here, for all are wrapped in sleep 
And those great gods who sent him at this hour 
Watch near us now to guide the hand of fate. 
I will not fear; it is their hour, not mine." 

(The slave retires quickly to do her bidding, and the 
Queen, unable to control her emotion, paces the 
apartment with soft, rapid steps; showing by her 
passionate gestures an overwhelming surprise and 
joy. After a few moments she reseats herself, and 
with a strong effort, assumes her usual majestic 
demeanor. When Ismenides is admitted with great 
caution by the slave (zvho then stands on guard 
during the interview) , the Queen receives him with 
studied coldness, while he kneels at her feet, and 
passionately kisses her hands.) 
Ismenides 

" Lady, though many years have wearied me, 
I count two visions as the whole of life; 
One, when my eyes first raised themselves to thee 
And fell in blindness, dazzled utterly. 
Since then I walked in shadow ; until now, 
Oh, happiness ! thy glory shines again, 
And seeing it my very soul grows faint 
With joy's sweet second coming, and the sight 
Restored by her who left me in the dark." 
Queen 

" Alas, thou flatterer ! I trust thee not." 
Ismenides 

" We trust not that we own, for presently 
The flaws we make ourselves are all too plain." 
Queen 

" Indeed thou art not mine, for thou hast lain 
In other bonds than these, at Ephesus." 
Ismenides 

" Ay, in the holding of Proserpine 
Whose fruit is sweet unto love's loneliness." 



l8 CROESUS AND IONE 

Queen (more softly) 

" Then lone spoke soothly, thou wert ill." 
Ismenides (starting up) 

" 'Tis true then, she is here, my lone ? " 
Queen 

" Why yes, she hath a princely lover here, 
And marches hence to-morrow in his train. 
A warlike maid, who loves not bowers like these." 
Ismenides (violently) 

" I will pursue them, and sore punish him 
Who hath defrauded me, and shamed her." 
Queen (scornfully) 

" Truly, thou'rt bold, to threaten Croesus so." 
Ismenides (turning pale) 

"The King? The King?" 
Queen 

" Ay, ay, the King ! is it such news to thee 
That Croesus takes his pleasures royally ? " 
Ismenides (grinding his teeth) 

" The gods send ruin on his impious head." 
Queen (whispering) 

"Ismenides, wilt thou be fate for him? 
I, too, am shamed, and Croesus' treachery 
Shall breed within the place he nourished it 
Till serpent-like it creeps to Persia's King. 
The gods have chosen thee, I think, for this." 
Ismenides (broodingly) 

" I am a free Ephesian, owing not 
Allegiance to this tyrant ravisher." 
Queen 

" Why truly, so thou art ! and as for me 
Great Cyrus is my friend ; then go to him 
And warn him quickly; take to him a scroll 
That I shall give thee; say I copied it 
Most secretly from Croesus' plan of war. 
'T will be enough, and we shall be avenged." 
Ismenides (eagerly) 

" I do but kiss thy hand, and then I'll go." 
Queen (changing her manner to one of great tenderness) 
" Nay, not so hurriedly ; thou'rt travel sore 
And I am weary of my loneliness. 
Besides we must confer ; these weighty deeds 
Whose infancy is brief, need time to grow 
Unto that stature which shall fright a king. 
To play at fate and fix her balances 
So Croesus shall go down, and Cyrus up, 
Takes wisdom wrought on courage cunningly 
As pearls are broidered on a warrior's shield." 
Ismenides 

" Then lady, keep my courage in thy hands 
And give it back when thou hast jeweled it; 
For by the gods ! this is the Lotos-land 
And all rny strength is swathed in golden dreams 
That are like cerements about my limbs. 



CROESUS AND IONE 19 

I felt this numbness once when Hades loomed 

Within the shadow that my body cast, 

But now, in Paradise I fear it not 

Because my soul is happy, seeing thee. 

Yet when thou'rt ready lift the spellonce more 

And send me forth to serve thee valiantly." 
Queen (gayly) 

" I'll send thee ; oh, I'll send thee ; never fear ! 

For love is sweet, but so is vengeance too; 

My hand upon thy brow shall soothe thy care 

And lip on lip shall heal the longing pain 

That I have known, and think that thou hast felt 

A very little, though I trust thee not; 
. And when we have been happy for a day, 

(A day we must postpone till Croesus goes) 

Why then with ling'ring hands I'll push thee forth 

And stiffen courage up with jealousy 

Lest love should prove too dear and keep thee here. 

But now thou art a beggar, sick and sore 

And must lie sleeping till I send for thee; 

Go — take him — Nilos ; To thy watchful care 

I give him ; guard his life as mine." 

(She allows Ismenides to kiss her hand once more and 
then dismisses him hurriedly and silently. After 
the slave has led him away she stands in a listening 
attitude for awhile, and then passes into her sleeping 
chamber. ) 

ACT III. 

(In camp near Sardis — time afternoon. Croesus' tent occupies the 
foreground and a little apart from it is pitched a gayly draped 
pavilion, at the entrance of which Ione is seated, playing on her 
lute. The curtains of the royal tent are closed, and two soldiers 
stand on guard, one of them a zvarrior of venerable appearance.) 
Old Warrior 

' 'Twere well the gods destroyed me ere I came to this." 
Second Soldier 

" How now, my ancient one ? " 
Old Warrior 

" They slay the war-horse when his day is done ; 
I would that Croesus' sire had thus to me 
Repaid a faithful servant's loyalty." 
Second Soldier 

" Hast scent of battle in thy nostrils then ? " 
Old Warrior 

" Rather the scent of shame for him I love ; 
How often when great Croesus was a child 
I lifted him, wild clamoring, to my steed, 
And bore him proudly on from rank to rank 
That every soldier looking on his face 
Might love the kingly babe and strike for him; 
A nursling of the battlefield he grew 
And waxed on warfare as if blood were milk." 



20 croesus and ione 

Second Soldier 

" And well he loves its flavor, even now." 

Old Warrior 

" Ay, but still better when it floods the cheek 
Of the young maid who rests in yonder tent." 
Second Soldier 

" I blame him not ; Ha, ha ! if I were king ! " 

Old Warrior (muttering) 

" She is a false Ephesian ; who can tell 
What treason may befall our arms from this." 
Second Soldier 

" Hush ! hush ! here comes the captain of the host." 

(An officer zvhose accoutrements and bearing proclaim 
his rank, approaches from the forest and the guards 
salute him. ) 
Officer 

" Old Theron, tell my master I would speak with him." 

Old Warrior 

" My lord, he sleeps." 
Officer , \ 

" 'Tis well ! I'm very glad of it. 
Sleep is the ebbing of the day's rough stream 
That carries out our souls to soundless seas 
Whereon we drift to all that's sweet and strange 
Then turn and say ' Alas, we did but dream.' 
So let the King have sleep to solace him 
And dreams to give him respite from his grief." 

(He seats himself nearby, but at that moment the King 
draws aside the curtains and appears at the door of 
the tent. The officer starts forward, and as Croesus 
greets him kindly, kneels and kisses his hand with 
great reverence.) 
Croesus 

" Welcome, my Captain ! I have looked for thee. 
But why this sad demeanor? 'tis not well 
To grieve too greatly over one defeat; 
I am a soldier, and I blame thee not." 
Captain 

" I dread thy anger, but still more thy grief 
My lord and King ; for I have that to tell 
Will greatly anger and sore grieve thee too. 
This one mischance is nothing; but the cause 

The cruel treachery of one so dear " 

Croesus (angrily) 

"Treachery! and one so dear? thou ravest 
Or dost presume misfortune's heel to use 
And trample where allegiance yet is due." 
Captain (weeping) 

" Croesus, for many years my life has been 
A thing thou heldest lightfy in thy hand 
And cast as freely 'gainst the enemy 
As thou would'st throw a spear or javelin; 



CROESUS AND IONE 21 

And I have loved to be thus sternly thrown, 
Glorying in thy power and majesty. 
Thy wounds are mine, and who betrayest thee 
Has set my heart a-bleeding unto death." 

(Croesus' face softens, and he lays his hand kindly on 
the chiefs shoulder.) 
Croesus 

" I do believe it, and I love thee well ; 
Then tell thy tale, I'll listen patiently." 

Captain 

" My lord ! my lord ! I wish some other tongue 
That found it not so bitter, brought it thee." 
Croesus 

" Delay no more ; thy words but torture thus." 

Captain 

" O King ! our spies returned from Persia's camp 
Have brought us word of one Ismenides 
Who, left behind in Ephesus, was ill ; 

But at a word from Lady lone " 

Croesus {fiercely) 

"Thou liest, dog!" 
Captain (sadly) 

" My lord, I am too bold ; I'll leave thee then." 
Croesus 

" Nay, nay ! speak on ; I'll hear this perfidy." 

Captain 

" A messenger from camp bore him a scroll 
Which he, receiving, took to Cyrus straight." 

Croesus 

" Avenging gods! what throat shall feel my spring? 
The spy who foully made and fashioned this, 
Or he who brings it with so false a face ? 
Listen, thou wretch ! I spare thy crawling life 
But as I spare a reptile in my road. 
Knowing the hatred borne to Ephesus 
By some among ye, I can wonder yet 
That ye would dare to brave me, even now 
When I am fallen, and my head is low." 

(The chief does not answer, but turns and would retire, 
profound grief expressed in his face.) 

Croesus 

" Stay yet a moment ! what contained this scroll ? " 
Captain 

" My lord, thy line of march and plan of war." 
Croesus 

" Ah, this is madness ! did Ismenides 
Read maps of war upon a sister's scroll 
That held but loving words to comfort him ? " 
Captain (humbly) 

" I know not, lord; but 'tis the jest in camp 
Where Persia glories in our sore defeat, 



22 CROESUS AND IONE 

That once again a woman has betrayed 
The hand that cherished her " 

Croesus {sternly) 

" Silence, thou slave ! yet bring the spy to me." 

Captain 

" I have him near at hand, I'll bring him in." 

(He gives a signal at which the spy approaches, and the 
Captain retires leaving him with Croesus, who 
orders the curtains of the tent to be drazvn during 
the interview. In a few moments the spy reappears, 
looking pale and frightened, and makes his exit hur- 
riedly. Ione, who has been sitting before her tent 
in the background, playing on her lute, now comes 
nearer the front of the stage, and placing herself 
on a bank under a large tree, at some distance away 
from the royal pavilion, she begins to sing.) 

Song. 

" The white rose of the King," so Persia called her ; 

She shrank, and whiter grew ; 
Poor rose ! the greatness of her love appalled her, 

Its short-lived joy she knew. 

The King stooped down and said, " O rose ! thy whiteness 

Hath been untinged till now ; 
Blush thou to red, sweet rose, and wreathe with brightness 

Thy loving monarch's brow." 

Shivered the pale one then — " O King ! adoring 

At thy dear feet I lie; 
But breathe not on me lest thy love's outpouring 

Shall mean thy rose must die." 

Too late ! love's sunshine warms, uplifts, enthralls me ; 

I climb unto thy breast ; 
Blush at thy kiss, careless of what befalls me, 

And dying, die most blest." 

(Croesus .emerges from his tent, approaches unheard, 
and listens to the song, his face growing rigid. As 
she finishes he addresses her abruptly. Ione springs 
up gayly.) 
Ione 

" Welcome, my lord ! but how you stole on me ! " 
Croesus (sternly) 

" Thy song displeases me. I like it not." 
Ione (bewildered) 

" I thought myself alone, and knew not that 
It wearied thee. So then, I'll sing no more." 
Croesus (coldly) 

" I think thou'rt right, and thou shalt sing no more." 
Ione (turning pale) 

" The Persians ! have they come to slay us then ? " 



croesus and ione 2$ 

Croesus 

" Why no, not thee ; for thou art Persia's friend." 
Ione 

" A cruel jest, my lord, and hath no point." 
Croesus 

" Thou pointed it thyself a moment since. 
Heard I not, ' Persia's King — and love — and death ? ' 
Ay, thou shalt know all three and perfect it. 
'Twere pity that thy jest should fail in this." 
Ione 

" Thou art so strange ; 'tis grief that maddens thee." 
Croesus 

" Why yes, 'tis grief, and jesting such as thine. 
I ever loved true wit, but this is false." 
Ione (tenderly) 

" Beloved King, if I have erred in aught 
Or rasped where I would comfort, pardon me. 
I am the one sole maid 'mong armed men, 
While thou art plunged in care and do forget 
The little comrade who left all for thee. 
I did but sing for pastime here alone." 
Croesus (holding out his arms) 

" Come here then ; sing once more ! I like the words. 
They were of love, and death, and perfidy." 
Ione (sadly, but running to him) 

" Of love, and death, but not of perfidy. 
Oh, thou art very strange ! " 
Croesus 

" The last words were the sweetest ; sing, I say ! " 
Ione (bravely) 

" Thou holdest me too closely, yet I'll sing." 

(Sings) 
" Too late ! love's sunshine warms, uplifts, enthralls me, 
I climb unto thy breast; 
Blush at thy kiss, careless of what befalls me, 
And dying, die most blest.. Ah, ah ! " 

Croesus (pressing her against his mailed bosom) 

" Then die ! and think thou'rt happy in thy death." 

Ione (terrified) 

" My lord, I fear ! I fear ! and thou dost hurt me." 
Croesus 

" These arms that hold thee are not Persia's, yet 
They can make very close a last embrace." 
Ione (struggling to free herself) 

" Croesus, if thou dost love me, loose thine hold ! " 
Croesus 

" Come nearer ; I would have thee on the heart 
That thou betrayest to captivity." 
Ione 

" Thou ravest ! Ione was never false, 
Nor Croesus cruel. Ah, thy breast is hard ! " 

(She gasps, and her face grows rigid with pain.) 



24 croesus and ione 

Croesus 

" An iron heart, that thou did'st heat and heat 
And give to Persia's flail when it was red. 
'Tis very hard? why yes, 'tis beaten so." 

{He exerts great strength, and crushes her in his tight- 
ened arms. She raises her eyes in one last anguished 
look, and then her head falls back.) 

Croesus 

" A crystal goblet broken at a touch 
Were not more frail than she." 

{He gases upon her unmoved for a moment, and then 
his calm breaks and he weeps convulsively, and rains 
kisses on the dead face.) 



ACT IV 

{A public square in Sardis. A pyre stands ready to be lighted; on 
it are stacked the arms of the defeated Lydians. A detachment 
of Persian troops surround the square. Near the pyre stands 
King Cyrus with his chief officers. Before him is Croesus, 
bound as if for sacrifice.') 

Cyrus 

" Unbind him ! Chains are not. for such as he. 

Most noble Croesus, knowing not thy worth 

I had condemned thee on this pyre to die ; 

But thou art wisdom's self; no words like these 

That thou hast spoken ere were heard by me. 

I'll keep thee near me as an honored friend 

Who counsels in each sore emergency." 
Croesus 

" Great Cyrus ! since my consciousness awoke 

And put the question, ' whence came I to this ? ' 

I have not said to any ' 'tis thy will ! ' 

Yet had I drawn from lower sources life 

Which could flow tributary to the stream 

That from Olympus started thy great course, 

It would be gladness in that shining flood 

To merge my turbid being — seeing thee 

Most near akin in god-like majesty. 

But such conjunction now, would devastate; 

I still have power, and it would surge and beat 

And rise in tidal ruin to us both. 

Two things in all my life have gladdened me; 

One, the mad joy of war; the trumpet blast — 

The hot and panting breath that bursts the heart. 

The other — ah ! and here is bitter woe ! 

I played with love for years; I was the King, 

Who thought that flowers were meant for handling 

And then to throw aside and care no more. 

But one came — one — Ah ! Ah ! it is too much ; 

I cannot word it. In my age she came 

And was as if the gods had gathered up 



CROESUS AND IONE 25 

All sweetnesses of earth to pleasure me; 
In one last cup to crown and curse the feast. 
She loved me when I stole her from the Greeks 
And would have followed me to Hades then, 
But in her blood a strange rebellious strain 
Fought ever for that freedom held so long 
By the Ephesians till my hand o'ercame 
And harnessed them unwilling to my state. 
I, in my doting, thought to please her, when 
I conned my maps of war; and let her look 
Upon the scroll, and mocking, counsel me. 
Ah, fool ! and yet my heart is like to burst 
To think I killed her for her treachery. 
She was a sister to Ismenides. 

Who brought thee tidings " 

(Ismenides, who is in attendance on Cyrus, rushes 
forward. ) 
Ismenides 

" O King ! what hast thou done to lone ? 
She is most innocent of wrong to thee, 
Though falser than a slave to Ephesus. 
What hast thou done? tell me, thou torturer!" 

Cyrus 

" Peace, Captain ! Peace ! thou speakest to a king, 
Who fallen, yet has homage as his due." 
Ismenides 

" I was born free in Ephesus, my lord ; 
And here a tyrant meets his punishment." 
Cyrus 

" Peace then ! I do command thee as thy chief." 
Ismenides {wildly) 

" But lone ! my little lone ! 
My little sister lost and shamed by him ! 
Must I be silent to her murderer ? " 
Cyrus 

" Croesus, I beg thee of thy courtesy 
To calm this one who would inquire of thee." 
Croesus {half dazed, and moving near the pyre) 

" Yes, yes ! I'll calm him ; he'll be calmer soon." 
Ismenides 

" Oh, tell me ! is she dead ? " 
Croesus {slowly) 

" Why yes ; I killed her for her treachery." 
Ismenides 

" Tyrant ! She was most faithful unto thee 
And only false unto her state and kin." 
Croesus {sternly) 

" She was not false ? who on my very breast 
By subtle sympathy and wise, sweet ways 
Beguiled my wisdom from me ; called herself 
My little counsellor, and urged me to the war. 
Then while my love-besotted brain still slept 



DEC 29 1902 



26 CROESUS AND IONE 

Sent messengers to thee with maps and charts 

That thou as an Ephesian, loving not 

The hand that bound thee in a golden chain, 

Wert very swift to bring to Cyrus here ; 

And he, good soldier, did as all must do, 

Taking from foulest hands the gift of fate." 

Cyrus 

" Croesus, thou art unjust, to this one here, 
And to the little maid he asks of thee." 

Croesus 

"Unjust! he brought you not a scroll?" 

Cyrus 

" He brought a scroll, indeed. 'Twas from your Queen 
Copied in Sardis ere you marched from thence." 
Croesus (staggering) 

" The Queen ? Ah — so — it was the Queen ! she said 
She would have vengeance on us ; 'twas the Queen ! " 

(He snatches a lighted torch from an attendant, and 
springs toward the pyre. Cyrus rushes forward 
to stop him.) 
Croesus (struggling) 

" I need the fire to cleanse me ; let me go ! 
Death's in my arms; she lies upon my breast 
And clasps me coldly — not like lone. 
I'm sick with horror of her noisome breath 
Her purple, swollen lips, and starting eyes. 
We'll burn then, since she will not loose her hold." 
Cyrus (overborne by Croesus' mad strength) 

" Come bind him, guards ! mad lions must be chained." 

( The guards obey, but before they can reach him Croesus 
has mounted the pyre and flung his torch upon the 
inflammable material. The flames rise about him 
instantly. Cyrus stands and gazes as if petrified. 
The soldiers press about the pyre with wild cries.) 
Curtain. 



